We had a party on Saturday, and as host I was too busy manning the grill to take real notes. There were some leftovers though, so last night with some more duck I tried a few of the remaining wines.

2004 and 2005 Pepiere Muscadet Clos des Briords Vieilles VignesI tried these side by side (they were originally part of a 5 vintage vertical 2000-2005 (less the '03) and found the '04 more open, fruity and even medium bodied, while the '05 was like a rapier slashing its way through my palate. I love the '04, but I think the '05 just needs time. Both had that fantastic concentration of minerals.

2002 Mugneret-Gibourg Bourgogne RougeOn Saturday this was all about Madagascar vanilla on the nose, but yesterday it had blossomed with delicious red and black fruit, flowers and the vanilla in the background. Incredibly good. I wish I had more.

2005 Johannishof (Eser) Johannisberger 'G' Riesling Kabinett (Rheingau)The 'G' stands for Goldatzel. This was all about tropical fruit. Lost of ripe pineapple with sufficient acids to balance the fruit. But, like most 2005s I have had so far, I am left wondering what all the fuss is about. Yes I have tried some really good ones, but most are just plain good, not much more.

1996 Muller-Catoir Mussbacher Eselhaut Rieslaner Spatlese (Pfalz)Here's the unripe side of pineapple. Tons of teeth rattling acids and a green underside to the flavors that borders on the unpleasant. 1996 was a unique vintage, and for that I am thankful. This will never come into enjoyable balance in my opinion.

There behind the glass lies a real blade of grass. Be careful as you pass. Move along. Move along.

I'm glad you were grilling instead of note taking. You certainly kept us content with assorted grilled-protein treats (and great wine).
That Briords line up was really educational. On it's own I wouldnt have detected any increased body in the'04 but it was quite apparent next to the '05.

I'm part way through writing up my notes...21 wines (not counting the Gamay Noir which I somehow missed).

Bill Buitenhuys wrote:I'm glad you were grilling instead of note taking. You certainly kept us content with assorted grilled-protein treats (and great wine). That Briords line up was really educational. On it's own I wouldnt have detected any increased body in the'04 but it was quite apparent next to the '05.

I'm part way through writing up my notes...21 wines (not counting the Gamay Noir which I somehow missed).

Only 21? We're slipping. That's only 1.5 per person.

There behind the glass lies a real blade of grass. Be careful as you pass. Move along. Move along.

David,
Many thanks indeed for the geenrous hospitality, food and wine.
I really thought more of the Eser than you did. Good balance and lots of red fruit. Could have been a Donnhoff Kirscheck from a good vintage (he said, ducking).
Charles